Creighton University students will be slipping on ballet slippers, raising curtains, giving lighting cues and taking the stage for a chance to broadcast their talents to visitors next week.
Creighton’s annual Spring Dance Show is an inspirational event that participants and visitors alike look forward to each year.
The show is open to students enrolled in one of the many dance classes offered at Creighton. Those participating in the dance composition and Theory class are given the opportunity to choreograph pieces to be showcased in the concert, while students in the lighting and costume design classes gain backstage experience.
“This is a great opportunity for the students,” Creighton dance coordinator Patrick Roddy said. “All of the students have such a gift. The fact that they are able to show off their hard work is truly amazing.”
One may assume that the short show would be composed solely of ballet. This is not the case, however, as the show will showcase a mix of jazz and contemporary with bits of ballet throughout.
“It would be great for students to come and realize that there are different pieces that will appeal to everyone,” said Hope Piernick, a junior dance major and choreographer for the show.
“I am looking forward to seeing the different styles of each of the students and witnessing their visions come to life on stage,” said Marcus Denker, an Arts & Sciences participant in the costuming and lighting of the show.
Student choreographers have been imagining their pieces coming to life since last year, but most of the work has been put in since Christmas break. Between scheduling rehearsal times and making last-minute changes, the process is one that choreographers would describe as hectic, but very fulfilling.
The Spring Dance Show will open on Thursday and will run through Sunday at Creighton’s Mainstage of the Lied Education Center for the Arts.
Performances from Thursday through Saturday will be at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee will be held at 2 p.m., General admission is $18 with a discounted price of $15 for senior ctizens and $5 for Creighton students, faculty and staff.
“I hope people going to the show can take away the fact that students at Creighton, in their Jesuit and liberal arts education, are given the opportunity to dance on a pre-professional level before they head out into the world,” Roddy said. “This is something that is really important and special to the students. It is their outlet.”
Even though she isn’t performing, Piernick can relate to the dancers with whom she is working.
“When you finally take the stage on opening night it just hits you,” Piernick said. “It’s so nerve-racking, but the rush that comes with it is so worth it. This is a chance for us (students) to say, ‘this is what I’m capable of and this is my vision for you,’ and I hope that the audience can appreciate that.”